Cemetery Burial Plots for Traditional in-Ground Burials

A burial plot, sometimes referred to as a grave or funeral plot, is the spot where a body is laid to rest in the ground. Lush green sod is placed over the space to provide an area for loved ones to stand, visit, and remember. Burial plots provide a way to display a marker or monument and can be adorned year-round with beautiful gravesite floral tributes.

Three Types of Funeral Plots to Choose

There are funeral plot options for individuals as well as those who want to share their final resting place with a spouse or loved one. The type of funeral plot you choose will help determine the cost of the plot. Here are three options:

• Single Space – A single spot to accommodate the burial of one individual. This is the most common type of burial plot.
• Side-by-Side – Sometimes referred to as “companion plots,” these are two separate spaces for two individuals to be buried alongside one another.
• Double-Depth – A space for two individuals to be buried one atop the other. This is very similar to side-by-side plots where the individuals are in separate caskets; howeverexcept, the caskets are placed one on top of the other with the main difference being that the individuals are in separate caskets, placed one on top of the other.

Average Burial Plot Costs in the United States

The following chart features the average costs of funeral plots by U.S. states. Please keep in mind that these costs are only averages for ONE burial plot. Your actual funeral plot price may be higher or lower than the numbers presented here.

Average Cost of Funeral Plots by State:

What Factors Affect Cemetery Plot Prices?

As illustrated in the chart above, your state can have a tremendous impact on the burial plot costs vary by state.  However, this is just one factor that influences cemetery plot prices. Other factors include:

1. Where You Buy: Just as some states are, on average, more or less expensive than others, cemetery plot costs for individual cemeteries can vary. Prices can also vary depending on where the plot is located within a cemetery.
2. What You Buy: In most cases, a single space burial plot is less expensive than a double depth plot.However, there are some instances wheren buying multiple burial plots results in each individual plot being less costly than if you buy only one. This is why it’s important to do your research and shop around.
3. When you Buy: Grave plot costs aren’t just about the “where” and “what.” There’s also “when.” As in, do you buy a plot now, or leave it up to your loved ones to buy a burial plot after you pass away? Purchasing today means getting today’s prices, rather than the inflated prices several years from now.

Grave Plots FAQ

BurialPlanning.com has compiled answers to some of the most common questions related to burial plots and purchasing a burial plot. If you don’t see your question here, you can always contact us and get your question answered directly: info@burialplanning.com

How long do you own a cemetery plot?

A common question is whether a cemetery plot has an “expiration date.” Generally, your cemetery plot will always be yours and does not expire. However, some states do have laws that allow them to reclaim a space if there is no known activity with the space for a significant amount of time.

What is a prepaid funeral plot?

A prepaid grave plot means that you purchase the plot now, rather than leaving it to your loved ones to purchase your plot after you’re gone. The advantages of a prepaid plot are that you get to choose the exact details of the plot and pay today’s prices.

How many individuals can be buried in one grave?

The answer to this depends on the type of burial plot you purchase. A single space plot is for one individual. However, a double depth plot can fit two caskets with one on top of the other.

What is included in the cost of a burial plot?

The cost of the cemetery plot usually only includes the actual space in which the individual will be buried. Although in some cases, the grave space is sold with perpetual care or “endowment care” which is used for the general maintenance of the cemetery.

When you do buy a burial plot, it’s important to keep in mind that you may also need to purchase products such as a casket and services such as the opening and closing of the grave.

Can a cremation urn be buried in a plot?

Some cemeteries do allow for a cremation urn to be buried in a standard plot. But other cemeteries have special, designated areas for cremation urns to be buried. Burial options for urns will vary depending on the cemetery.

Am I purchasing the land? Could I transfer the plot if necessary?

The process for buying a burial plot is not like buying land. You’re not buying property but instead buying the right toperform a burial in the grave space. Generally speaking, burial plots are transferrable.

How to Pre-Purchase a Grave Plot

It is almost always less expensive when you buy a burial plot in advance. It’s also much less stressful for your grieving loved ones.

Pre-purchasing a funeral plot saves your loved ones the cost and trouble of having to plan your funeral and decide for you how you should be memorialized. But how does one get started with the pre-purchasing process? Most people are interested in purchasing a burial plot ahead of time for the reasons outlined above, but they are also unsure as to how they can get started. The process is usually as simple as:

• Choose a burial plot – Single, Side-by-Side, or Double Depth
• Select your cemetery
• Contact a cemetery representative to begin the purchase process

You will also be given the option to pre-plan your full burial, including other details such as your grave marker, flower arrangements, casket vaults, and other products.

If you want to select the location of your gravesite and lock in a lower cemetery plot price now, download your free, no-obligation guide now!